Whiskey gifts for beginners, bourbon lovers, hockey fans and holiday hosts
A good bottle of whiskey is one of the easiest gifts to get right. It feels personal, it gets shared, and it doesn’t end up in a drawer. The trick is matching the bottle to the person.
Whether you’re shopping for someone who’s just getting into whiskey, a bourbon lover, a die-hard hockey fan or the friend who always hosts, this whiskey gift guide has an idea for everyone on your list this year.
Just want the bottles? See our Belfour Holiday Gift Guide for a quick look at every pick.
For the Whiskey Beginner
Someone new to whiskey usually doesn’t know what they like yet, and that’s the fun part. The best gift lets them explore.
The gift: The Belfour 200ML Trio ($34.99). Three 200ML bottles of Belfour whiskey in one box. It’s a tasting flight they can share, so they can compare bourbon and rye side by side and find their favorite.
Make it better: Add a set of tasting glasses and a link to our guide on bourbon vs. rye whiskey so they know what they’re tasting.
For the Bourbon Lover
They already know what they like, and it’s bold, rich bourbon.
The gift: Belfour Small Batch Straight Bourbon ($54.99). At 107 proof, it’s blended from custom-toasted and charred barrels for rich layers of brown sugar, maple syrup and caramel, with a long, toasted marshmallow finish. It’s a big, satisfying pour for someone who appreciates a full-bodied bourbon.
Curious what “small batch” actually means? We explain it in What Does Small Batch Mean in Whiskey?
For the One Who Has Everything
The hardest person to shop for is the one with a full bar. Skip the bottle they already own and give them something they haven’t tried.
The gift: Belfour Rye Whiskey ($44.99). This 94-proof rye opens with burnt sea salted vanilla caramel and dark chocolate, moves into caramel, brown sugar and sweet tobacco, and finishes with a full-bodied, velvety warmth and a hint of peppermint. It’s a rye that even bourbon drinkers fall for, and it’s unlike anything else on most shelves.
For the Collector
Collectors want something with a story, and something nobody else has.
The gift: A bottle signed by Hall of Fame goalie Ed Belfour makes a standout addition to any shelf. Keep an eye on our social channels and newsletter for tastings and signings near you.
Go all in: For a team, business or milestone, our Single Barrel Select program lets you choose and personalize an entire barrel. It’s about as one of a kind as whiskey gets.
For the Hockey Fan
Belfour Spirits was founded by Ed Belfour, the Hockey Hall of Fame goalie and Stanley Cup champion, and his family. That makes any Belfour bottle a great gift for a hockey fan.
The gift: A bottle of Belfour Rye Whiskey or Small Batch Bourbon with a little hockey history on the side. Share the story of why Ed Belfour is called “The Eagle”, or read about putting in the work in hockey and whiskey. For a Blackhawks fan, add the story behind the founding of the Chicago Blackhawks.
Make it a game night: A bottle, two glasses and tickets (or a big screen) is hard to beat.
For the Holiday Host
Bringing something for the person who’s cooking all day? Give them something to share at the table.
The gift: A bottle of Small Batch Bourbon plus a recipe card for a Cranberry Whiskey Sour or a batch of Egg Nog. Or give them everything they need to host a whiskey tasting at home.
Whiskey Accessories That Make Great Gifts
Pair a bottle with one of these, or give them as stocking stuffers on their own.
- Tasting glasses: A tulip-shaped glass like the Glencairn concentrates aroma. See why in Does the Whiskey Glass Really Matter?
- Large ice cube molds: One big cube chills a pour without watering it down quickly.
- A cocktail smoker: Perfect for the person who loves a smoky Old Fashioned. Send them our step-by-step guide to smoking an Old Fashioned.
- A bar spoon and mixing glass: The basics for stirred cocktails.
- A good whiskey book: For the person who loves the story as much as the pour. Start them off with the history of bourbon.
Tips for Giving Whiskey as a Gift
- Order early. Holiday shipping fills up fast, so order early to make sure your gift arrives in time.
- Add a personal note. Tell them why you picked that bottle. It makes the first pour even better.
- Include a pairing idea. A suggested cocktail or snack pairing turns a bottle into an experience.
- Remember the rules. Whiskey gifts are for adults 21 and over, and shipping alcohol depends on where you live.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good whiskey gift for someone who doesn’t drink much whiskey?
A sampler is the safest bet. The Belfour 200ML Trio lets them try three Belfour whiskeys without committing to a full bottle.
What is a good whiskey gift under $50?
Belfour Rye Whiskey ($44.99) and the Belfour 200ML Trio ($34.99) are both great picks under $50.
What whiskey should I buy for a hockey fan?
Any bottle from Belfour Spirits, founded by Hall of Fame goalie Ed Belfour, makes a meaningful gift for a hockey fan. A signed bottle is even better.
Does whiskey go bad if they don’t open it right away?
No. An unopened bottle stored upright away from heat and light will keep for years. Once it’s open, here’s how to store an open bottle of whiskey.
Give Something Worth Sharing
The best whiskey gifts get opened, poured and shared. Browse every pick in the Belfour Holiday Gift Guide or shop the full collection.
Cheers, and happy holidays from the Belfour family.
Must be 21+ to purchase. Please enjoy responsibly.